Abstract

The paper aims to analyze the symbolic meaning of Blanche in Tennessee Williams’ A Streetcar Named Desire.

William has consistently employed symbolism to universalize the significance of the realistic action he posits, not only because he thinks of symbolism as essential of art, but because it seems to be characteristic of his personal reactions to life in general. Blanche DuBois, the very name, her appearance and dressing, her illusionary vision of the world, and her lantern together with her desire all contribute to William’s symbolic portrait of a southern belle. Displaced in an unfavorable environment, Blanche finally collapses mentally and excluded out of the new industrial world.

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